Tourists blame Northern Lights for irresponsible driving

Published on : Thursday, February 16, 2017

The much talked about Aurora Borealis has now become an increasing problem in Iceland according to local police, who say foreign motorists are driving dangerously because they are being distracted by the Northern Lights.

The local authorities reported that Aurora Borealis is becoming an increasing problem in Iceland as on stopping foreign motorists, they are blaming the Northern Lights for becoming distracted.

Recently, the police stopped two motorists for driving dangerously suspecting the drivers were drunk, but soon realised that they had been distracted by the light show above them by Aurora Borealis. The driver told the police he saw the Northern Lights and couldn’t bring himself to stop looking at them. The police had no option but to ask him to park the vehicle if he wanted to keep on gazing at the sky.

The influx of tourists to Iceland is presenting various problems for the country. Attractions, particularly in the south of the island, have become increasingly busy, with coach-loads of tourists flocking to see the Gulfoss waterfall, Thingvellir national park and Geysir geothermal park.

87 percent of Icelanders believe the government should impose larger fees on tourists. They fear that the increasing number might put a strain on local infrastructure and the environment. An estimated 1.5 million foreign visitors descended upon Iceland last year, which is roughly five times the population of the island.